In class we have discussed the spread of Christianity and as many know this religion had overwhelming effects on the world. In fact the leader of the catholic church, the Pope, became the ruler of a state called the Papal States. The Pope was the sovereign leader of this large chunk of central Italy from 754 to 1870. The Papal State gained its territory by lands given to the Pope. Although the Papal State had little military strength and barely had control over its territories because of Emperors and nobles contesting the rule of the Papacy, it did have a role in the politics of Europe.
The Pope has the power to excommunicate members of the church. This includes kings and leaders of other countries. This can lead to growing political opposition in excommunicated leader's territories and unhappy Christians because their leader has been cast out of the church.
From 1305 to 1378, the Popes lived in Avignon, in what is now France. While the Papacy was in France their were strongly under the influence of the French Kings. 1378 to 1417 was a period know as the great schism. During this period Gregory XI had returned the papacy from Avignon to Rome. Shortly after he died and the Cardinals under fear of an Italian mob elected another Pope named Urban VI because he was Italian. Shortly after this he acted very offensive to all in the church and the Cardinals declared his election null and void because they were under duress when they elected him. The Cardinals elected Clement VII but Urban VI remained in Rome, refusing to step down, and Clement VII fled to Avignon. From there on until 1417 were two declared Popes of the church, both declaring that the other was illegitimate. Many Christians were confused and perhaps some left the catholic church because of the schism.
Slowly of the centuries the Papal States declined and Italy declared war on the Papal States and took Rome. The Papal States technically lives on as the State of the Vatican City.
All this information and more can be found at the following sources.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/441848/Papal-States
http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Great_Schism.aspx#1E1-Schism-G
http://www.ohio.edu/chastain/ip/papalsta.htm
I found it interesting how much power the pope had not only over the nations he ruled but he also had the power over kings of other nations. This seems like the most powerful ruler we may have ever had. I think his power levels had changed greatly since this period.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ashley, however the pop still has so much influence in the world today. He is still one of the most influential and powerful people across the world.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the pope still has a lot of influence in the world today, but with the spread of christianity throughout the world just think about how many political decisions he would affect if his power was equal to what it was during those periods.
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